The monocots tropical plant that is one of the palms family. Its fruit has a hard seed, a thin skin and a sweet taste that is hanging in big clusters and its leaves are large. The height of Palm tree is 10 to 20 meters. Date had been in human diet from ancient time due to its nutritional value and is one of the first fruits cultivated by human. Kharak is the name of date when it is raw. Before it completely ripped, it is called Rotab which has more humidity and less sugar than ripped date. The most important difference between Rotab and Date is the amount of sugar in it and humidity, this feature causes to Rotab be helpful in curing diabetes and overweight more than dried dates.
Palm Tree (Dates)
Difference between Rotab and Date
The fruit of Rotab and Date are different. First, the female palm blooms become a green and hard fruit with seed which is called Chaghali. Next, they become Yellow or red which are called Kharak. These fruits then become darker due to hot weather and sun light which are called Rotab. The fruits of some trees are picked when they are in this stage such as Mazafati and Kabkab(yellow) Rotab, and some others should be stayed on the tree for 20 hot days to be semi aried and are called Date such as Zahedi and Pyaram. Some of the kinds also are completely dried to sale.
Benefits of Dates:
Dates contain 25% sucrose, 50% glucose, and albuminous substances, pectin and water. This fruit is rich in vitamins such as A, B, C, E, vitamins and also contains minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, iron, iodine and magnesium each of which plays a vital role in human health. The phosphorus in the date make the nerve cells alive and is very useful for anemia. Also, due to magnesium, it boosts muscle power and body strength. Magnesium and colored substances in date, are anti-oxidant, and anti-cancerous and helpful for hearing, vision, back pain, joint pain, and chest and lung treatment. The Vitamin B exist in date helps to balance the nerves and stimulates growth. Date is as an elixir for energy recovery and skin health. It is full of fiber. It is also called black gold of south of Iran which is used for cooking and making different drinks and foods.
Different uses of Dates:
The leaves and branches of the palm tree, are used to making mat, curtain, basket, handkerchief, broom and etc. the seeds are used ti backing bread and the fruits are used to making wine and date honey. The seed flour is also used for backing bread. It is used also as coffee due to its good smell. The desert inhabitants use the mix of date seeds and water as a meal for their camels. In the middle of the palm tree trunk, there is a milky white flesh that has a sweet taste called palm cheese, that has high nutritional value and is very expensive. At the beginning of spring, when the palm blossoms, the blossoms which are called Tarooneh, are picked. Taroone extract is made by these blossoms which is good for stomachache and heart.
